Elmore County, Alabama
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Elmore County, Alabama. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa-Fruithurst complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla, Cartecay and Toccoa soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rolling and Hilly land (coastal plain materials) | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Smithdale-Saffell-Luverne complex, gravelly, 8 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataula gravelly sandy loam, rolling phase | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg fine sandy loam, slightly eroded phase | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Marvyn sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, thick surface phase | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Chesterfield sandy loam, rolling phase | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilead sandy loam, eroded, sloping phase | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Augusta silt loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vance coarse sandy loam, rolling phase | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilead sandy loam | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Congaree fine sandy loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataula gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vance gravelly sandy loam, rolling phase | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shubuta and Boswell fine sandy loams, sloping phases | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.